• Question: Are there any negative effects of taking birth control pills?

    Asked by 256drud48 to Anne, Florence, Mark, Neil, Sinead on 17 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Sinead Balgobin

      Sinead Balgobin answered on 17 Nov 2015:

      Thanks for the question- I really am glad that you guys are asking mature questions about sex and birth control: sex education is so important and we just don’t have enough of it.

      Since birth control pills affect hormone cycles in your body in order to control ovulation, there can be side effects, and some women find that they can’t take them at all. In general, the side effects will be few, since all medicines have to go though strict testing to make sure they are safe and effective. Birth control pills are safe to take, but you should always discuss their use with a doctor before taking them (like with any medication), and remember to report any side effects to your doctor, so they can review your prescription.

      Most important to remember is that while the pill controls ovulation and can stop you getting pregnant, it will not stop you from getting STDs- so always use a condom.

    • Photo: Florence McCarthy

      Florence McCarthy answered on 17 Nov 2015:

      There are some side effects which are dependent on the type of contraceptive pill used but these are relatively minor and can be overcome by changing the type.

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